Factors Associated with Spontaneous Abortion among Reproductive Aged Women

Abstract

Introduction: One of the adverse outcomes of pregnancy is spontaneous abortion (SA), which poses a significant obstacle for maternal health promotion. The present study is aimed to examine the factors associated with SA among reproductive aged women. Method: A hospital-based case- control study was conducted at tertiary hospital Lalitpur, Nepal. The consecutive sampling technique was used to select the cases (84) and purposive sampling technique was used for controls (168) in a 1:2 ratio. Ethical approval was obtained. Data were collected through face to face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics analysis (Chi-square and Fisher exact test) were used for analyzing the data. P-value was set at 0.05. Results: We found that the type of family, preconceptionally intake of folic acid and antenatal checkup were significantly associated with spontaneous abortion. Similarly, monthly income was inversely associated with the SA (p-value < 0.05). Conclusion: Based on the findings of our study it can be concluded that socio-demographic variables (staying in the joint or nuclear family, intake of folic acid, monthly income and antenatal checkup) and reproductive history also play significant role for spontaneous abortion. Key words: Factors associated; reproductive aged women; spontaneous abortion.